Concrete placing machine with hydraulic and concrete swivel

ABSTRACT

A concrete placing machine includes a wheeled base unit and a concrete placing pipe assembly extending from the base unit. The base unit includes a lower wheeled portion and an upper swivel portion. An hydraulic swivel device is provided between an hydraulic pump at the upper swivel portion and hydraulically operated devices at the lower portion of the base unit, in order to facilitate communication of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the pump and hydraulic devices, while allowing 360 degrees of rotation of the upper swivel portion relative to the lower wheeled portion. The hydraulic swivel device further provides a passageway therethrough for a concrete connector pipe to connect the pipe assembly at the upper swivel portion to a supply pipe connected to the lower wheeled portion, whereby the upper swivel portion and the pipe assembly are also rotatable with respect to the lower wheeled portion and the supply pipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority on U.S. provisionalapplication, Ser. No. 60/221,765, filed Jul. 31, 2000 by Philip J.Quenzi et al. for CONCRETE PLACING MACHINE WITH HYDRAULIC AND CONCRETESWIVEL, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to concrete placingdevices and, more particularly, to concrete placing devices which aremovable and pivotable to place concrete throughout a targeted area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Concrete placing or distribution devices are connectable to asupply of uncured concrete and function to distribute the uncuredconcrete at a targeted location remote from the supply of concrete. Theuncured concrete is commonly delivered and deposited to constructionsites by the use of concrete trucks using a gravity feed chute deliverysystem. At job sites where access to the targeted area is not practicalor possible by the large concrete trucks, the concrete may be depositedinto a special boom-truck concrete pumping machine. The concrete pumpingmachine or truck transports the concrete to the work area through theuse of a movable overhead boom and piping system. The overhead boom andpiping system includes pivotable sections, which are pivotable relativeto one another about generally horizontal axes. Accordingly, as thepiping system is extended, it may reach substantial heights. Whenconcrete is to be placed inside buildings or in places where a lowceiling or structural framework is overhead, the use of an overhead boompumping truck is often not preferred or even practical, such that use ofsuch large pumping trucks is often limited to outdoor applications.

[0004] In applications where concrete is to be placed in areas wherethere is structural framework over the targeted surface for the uncuredconcrete, various concrete placing devices have been proposed.Typically, a pipe assembly may be pivotally mounted to a fixed structureor base, such that the pipe assembly may be pivotable to place concretethroughout the area immediately surrounding the fixed structure or base.The pipe assembly may include one or more sections, and may have twosections pivotally connected together for increasing the range of motionof the placing device. However, such devices are not easily movable tothe next targeted area and thus may not be practical in large targetedareas or surfaces.

[0005] Other devices have been proposed which provide a base withcasters, rollers or wheels and an extendable pipe section pivotallymounted to the base. The placing device thus may be manually movable atthe construction site. However, movement of the base is limited and thepipe assembly may not be pivotable through a large sweeping rangerelative to the base. Because the pipe assemblies and bases may bedifficult to move, these units may require physical labor to accomplishthe task and may be unable to control the accuracy and placement anddepth of the uncured concrete.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a concrete placing apparatus,which may be operable to place concrete in buildings and constructionareas which have a low vertical clearance, such that access by largerequipment is limited. The concrete placing apparatus should be movablethroughout the construction area and provide a pipe assembly which isrotatable approximately 360 degrees, such that the placing apparatus isoperable to place concrete in all areas of the targeted placement areaor surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is intended to provide a concrete placingapparatus which is easily movable throughout a construction site and isoperable to place concrete throughout a wide targeted area. The concreteplacing apparatus is a low profile unit, which may be movable andoperable in areas with a low overhead clearance.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, a concreteplacing apparatus for placing uncured concrete at a support structurecomprises a swivel base unit, a pipe assembly and a concrete andhydraulic connector device. The swivel base unit comprises a lowerwheeled portion and an upper swivel portion, which is rotatable about avertical axis with respect to the lower portion. The upper portionincludes an hydraulic pump. The lower portion includes a plurality ofwheels, at least one hydraulic wheel driving motor, which is operable todrive at least one of the wheels, and at least one hydraulic steeringdevice which is operable to steer the wheels. The pipe assembly includesa supply pipe and a discharge pipe. The supply pipe is attached to thelower portion of the base unit and is connectable to a supply of uncuredconcrete to be placed by the concrete placing apparatus. The dischargepipe extends from the upper portion of the base unit and is rotatablewith the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The discharge pipeis connected to the supply pipe via the concrete and hydraulic connectordevice, which allows uncured concrete to pass from the supply pipe tothe discharge pipe, while also allowing hydraulic fluid to pass betweenthe hydraulic pump at the upper swivel portion and the wheel drive motorand/or the steering device at the lower portion, throughout a full 360degrees of rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion.

[0009] In one form, the discharge pipe includes an inner pipe fixedlymounted to the upper portion and an outer pipe pivotally mounted to anouter end of the inner pipe. Preferably, the outer pipe is pivotablerelative to the inner pipe via a rotational motor at the outer end ofthe inner pipe. The rotational motor may be powered by the hydraulicpump at the upper portion of the base unit. Preferably, the outer pipeis pivotable relative to the outer end of the inner pipe throughout arange of at least approximately 300 degrees of rotation. The outer pipemay be pivotable relative to the inner pipe throughout 360 degrees ofrotation if the outer pipe is not too long so as to interfere with theswivel base unit.

[0010] Preferably, the concrete and hydraulic connector device includesan outer cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member, which isrotatable within the outer cylindrical member. The uncured concretepasses through a passageway through the inner cylindrical member, whilehydraulic fluid passes between the inner cylindrical member and outercylindrical member via a plurality of channels and/or passageways in theinner and outer cylindrical members.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a concreteplacing apparatus for placing uncured concrete onto a support structurecomprises a swivel base unit and pipe assembly. The swivel base unitincludes a lower, wheeled portion and an upper swivel portion, which isrotatable about a vertical axis throughout 360 degrees of rotation withrespect to the lower portion. The upper portion includes an elongatedbeam extending therefrom. The lower portion includes a plurality ofwheels, which are drivable and steerable to move the base unit at thesupport structure. The pipe assembly includes an inner pipe and an outerpipe. The pipe assembly is connectable to a supply of uncured concreteto be placed by the concrete placing apparatus. The inner pipe ismounted to and supported by the elongated beam of the upper portion,while the outer pipe is pivotally mounted to an outer end of the innerpipe. The outer pipe is pivotable throughout a range of at leastapproximately 300 degrees relative to the inner pipe.

[0012] In one form, the upper portion includes an hydraulic pump and thewheels of the lower portion are operable via at least one hydraulicallyoperable device powered by the hydraulic pump. The pipe assembly furtherincludes a supply pipe attached to the lower portion of the base unitand connectable to the inner pipe. The inner pipe may be connected tothe supply pipe via a concrete and hydraulic connector device whichallows uncured concrete to pass from the supply pipe to the inner pipe,while also allowing hydraulic fluid to pass between the hydraulic pumpand the hydraulically operable devices at the lower portion, throughoutthe full 360 degrees of rotation of the upper portion relative to thelower portion.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides a low profile concreteplacing apparatus which is easily movable, self-propelled and operablein areas where there is low overhead clearance. The placing apparatus isdrivable and steerable to achieve proper placement of the base unitprior to placing the concrete. The discharge end of the pipe assembly ismovable and controllable by an operator or by means of an automaticcontrol system to provide accurate placement and depth of the concretebeing placed.

[0014] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of thepresent invention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a concrete placing apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the concrete placing apparatus ofFIG. 1, with the pipe assembly fully extended;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 2, with the outer pipeof the pipe assembly pivoted back toward the base unit of the concreteplacing apparatus;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the concrete placing apparatus ofFIG. 3, with the pipe assembly pivoted back toward the base unit on theside of the placing apparatus opposite that of FIG. 3;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the concrete placing apparatus ofFIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the baseunit of the concrete placing apparatus;

[0021]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the driveand steering systems of the concrete placing apparatus of the presentinvention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a support beam usefulwith the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the rotationdevice for rotating the outer pipe relative to the inner pipe;

[0024]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the outer pipe anddischarge end of the pipe assembly of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connection of the inner pipeto the outer pipe of the pipe assembly;

[0026]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connection of theinner end of the inner pipe to connecting pipe sections at the baseunit;

[0027]FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the supplypipe at the base unit;

[0028]FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views of the hydraulic swivelport of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 15 is a plan view of the hydraulic swivel port of FIGS. 14Aand 14B;

[0030]FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the hydraulic swivel port takenalong the lines XVI-XVI in FIG. 14B;

[0031] FIGS. 17A-17D are hydraulic schematics of hydraulic systems andcontrols useful with the present invention; and

[0032]FIGS. 18 and 19 are plan views of the present invention and depicta portion of the process for placing concrete at a targeted area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now specifically to the drawings and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, a concrete placing apparatus 10 includes amovable base unit 12 and a pipe assembly 14 extending from the base unit12 (FIGS. 1-5). Base unit 12 comprises a lower, wheeled portion 16 andan upper swivel or rotatable portion 18, which is rotatably mounted onlower portion 16 such that upper swivel portion 18 is rotatable 360degrees about a vertical axis 17 (FIGS. 2 and 5) with respect to lowerportion 16. Pipe assembly 14 includes a supply pipe 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3),which is connectable to a supply connector pipe 80 (FIGS. 18 and 19)connected to a supply of uncured concrete to be placed by placingapparatus 10. Pipe assembly 14 further includes an inner pipe section20, which is fixedly secured at rotatable or swivel portion 18 of base12 via a support beam 52, and an outer pipe section 22, which ispivotally mounted at an outer end 20 a of inner pipe section 20 and anouter end 52 a of support beam 52. Supply pipe 24 is pivotallyinterconnected with inner pipe 20 via a concrete and hydraulic connectordevice, such as multi-port hydraulic and concrete swivel 32, such thatinner pipe 20 is rotatable about vertical axis 17 throughout 360 degreesof rotation with respect to supply pipe 24, as discussed in detailbelow.

[0034] Swivel portion 18 of base unit 12 includes an hydraulic pump 25(FIG. 17C) positioned within an engine and pump compartment 42.Hydraulic pump 25 is operable to power and control various hydrauliccomponents or accessories of placing apparatus 10, such as wheel drivesystems 28 and steering systems 30 (FIGS. 7 and 17A-17D) at lower,wheeled portion 16 of base unit 12. Base unit 12 further includesmulti-port hydraulic swivel unit or device 32 (FIGS. 2, 6, and 14A, 14B,15, 16 and 17A and 17D), which is interconnected between hydraulic pump25 and drive systems 28 and steering systems 30 via a plurality ofconventional hydraulic lines (not shown). Multi-port hydraulic swivel 32provides a passageway 72 (FIGS. 14A, 14B and 16) longitudinallytherethrough for a pipe connector 34 (FIGS. 2 and 12) to pass through.Multi-port swivel 32 thus allows the upper portion 18 of base 12 torotate relative to lower portion 16, while allowing concrete to flowfrom supply pipe 24 to inner pipe 20, while also allowing hydraulicfluid to pass between hydraulic pump 25 and the drive and steeringsystems 28 and 30, respectively, throughout the full 360 degrees ofrotation of upper portion 18 relative to lower portion 16, as discussedbelow. The multi-port swivel 32 of the present invention thusfacilitates placing of uncured concrete throughout a target area andfurther facilitates easy movement of placing apparatus 10 to a nexttargeted area when the first targeted area has been completed. Althoughshown and described as including the hydraulic pump at the upper portionand at least one hydraulically operable device, such as wheel drivemotors and/or steering devices, at the lower portion of the base unit,it is envisioned that the hydraulic swivel port may provide fluidcommunication between a hydraulic pump at the lower base portion whichis operable to provide pressure and/or flow of hydraulic fluid or oil toone or more hydraulically operable devices and accessories at an upperbase portion, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

Base Unit

[0035] Base unit 12 is preferably a low profile wheeled unit, which ismovable and maneuverable at the targeted placing area or supportsurface. Preferably, base unit 12 includes four wheels 27, two wheels oneach of two axles 46 a, 46 b (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). Wheels 27 and/or axles46 a, 46 b may be independently or simultaneously drivable and steerableto move and maneuver base unit 12 into a proper operating position, asdiscussed below. Preferably, the lower, wheeled unit 16 is substantiallysimilar to the wheeled base units disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,930,935 and 4,978,246, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Upper portion 18 of base unit 12 preferably includes a controlconsole 36 and an operator seating area 37 to allow an operator to sitat base unit 12 to drive the placing apparatus 10 to the targetedlocation, to control the rotational movement of the upper portion 18relative to the lower portion 16, and to further control the pivotablemovement of outer pipe 22 relative to inner pipe 20. The control console36 provides multiple hand controls for an operator to control or actuateand/or deactuate the control valves 39 of the hydraulic fluid system,such that hydraulic fluid or oil is directed to either extend or retractan appropriate or selected hydraulic cylinder or rotate an appropriateor selected hydraulic motor shaft.

[0037] Upper portion 18 further includes an upper frame 40, whichsupports the operator area 37, control console 36, support beam 52 andengine and pump compartment 42, and which is rotatably mounted to alower frame 38 of lower portion 16, as discussed below. Pipe supportbeam 52 extends from a forward end of upper frame 40 and is mounted in acantilevered manner to upper frame 40 and supports inner pipe 20therealong. As shown in FIG. 8, support beam 52 may be a two-piece beamwhich is cantileverly mounted to and extending from platform 40 of baseunit 12. A pair of support rods 51 are also provided between beam 52 anda generally vertical support frame 53 at platform 40 to further supportbeam 52 and limit downward deflection of beam 52.

[0038] Hydraulic pump 25 is operable to power the wheel drive system 28,steering system 30, stabilizers 44, and other vehicle hydraulicfunctions and/or accessories, and is preferably driven by a dieselengine 86 (FIG. 17D) also positioned within compartment 42. Thehydraulic system of placing apparatus 10 is preferably a closed center,load sensing system with manually adjustable flow controls for allfunctions that require speed control.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 17D, wheel drive system 28 of lowerportion 16 includes two front propulsion motors 28 a and two rearpropulsion motors 28 b, such that there is one propulsion motor at eachwheel 27, whereby each wheel may be independently driven or driventogether, such as the pair of wheels at each axle being driven together.Preferably, drive system 28 further includes dual counter balance valves28 c (FIG. 17D) which function as a brake by blocking drive motor returnfluid whenever pressure drops to zero in the pressure line. In addition,the shuttle valve section of counter balance valves 28 c suppliespressurized fluid to release a spring applied parking brake 29 whenevereither propulsion line is pressurized. Without pressure in thepropulsion lines, the parking brake 29 is thus automatically applied.

[0040] Steering system 30 of lower portion 16 includes a pair of fronthydraulic cylinders 30 a at front axle 46 a and a pair of rear hydrauliccylinders 30 b at rear axle 46 b. Hydraulic cylinders 30 a, 30 b areextendable and retractable to steer the wheels at one or both axles 46a, 46 b, respectively, depending on the selected steering mode.Optionally, steering system 30 may be selectably set to steer the wheelsin various steering modes, such as a two wheel steering mode, wherebythe front wheels are turned while the rear wheels remain straight,similar to a conventional automobile, a four wheel steering mode,whereby turning the steering wheel in one direction correspondinglyturns the front wheels towards that direction and the rear wheels in anopposite direction to decrease the turning radius of the unit, and/or acrab steering mode, whereby turning the steering wheel in one directionturns the wheels of both axles in the same direction to allow thevehicle to move at least partially sidewardly or diagonally in thedirection the steering wheel is turned. Selecting two wheel, four wheeland/or crab steer mode is accomplished via a selector valve 36 a (FIG.17D) at the control console 36. For example, with the selector valve 36a shifted to a first position, only the front wheels may be steerablevia only front cylinders 30 a. With the selector valve shifted to asecond position, all four wheels may be steerable to provide theshortest possible turning radius. Additionally, with the lever shiftedto a third position, the wheels may crab steer to allow diagonalmovement of placing apparatus 10. The present invention thus providesoptimal maneuverability of the base unit to facilitate properpositioning of the base unit at the targeted placement area.

[0041] Upper frame 40 of upper swivel portion 18 is pivotally mounted tolower frame 38 of lower portion 16 via a swivel mount 38 a secured tolower frame 38 (FIG. 6). Upper portion 18 further includes a rotationalhydraulic motor 50 (FIG. 17B) which is positioned generally adjacent toan opening 40 a at upper frame 40 to engage a ring gear 48 secured tolower frame 38. Rotational motor 50 is rotatable to cause relativerotation between upper frame 40 and ring gear 48 of lower frame 38.Rotational motor 50 is a reversible motor to allow 360 degrees ofrotation of upper portion 18 relative to lower portion 16 in eitherdirection. Preferably, the rotational motor 50 includes a brake 50 a(FIG. 17B) which is operable to stop the rotation of the motor and thusthe rotation of the upper portion 18.

[0042] Lower frame 38 of lower portion 16 of base unit 12 rotatablysupports upper frame 40 and includes a stabilizer 44 mounted at eachcorner of the frame 38. Stabilizers 44 are preferably hydraulicallyextendable support members which extend to contact the support surfaceand at least partially support the base unit, to enhance the stabilityof unit of when the unit is in operation. Each of the front stabilizersincludes an hydraulic cylinder 44 a, while the rear stabilizers includerear hydraulic cylinders 44 b, which are operable to extend and retractthe stabilizers 44, as is known in the art. The hydraulic fluid for thestabilizers is also controlled by the hydraulic pump 25 via themulti-port swivel device 32, as discussed below.

[0043] Hydraulic pump 25 at upper portion 18 of base unit 12 is thusoperable to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid or oil to hydrauliccylinders and/or motors at the upper and lower portions of base unit 12,such as for steering and/or driving the wheels of lower portion 16 viathe hydraulic lines and hydraulic swivel port 32, as discussed in detailbelow.

Pipe Assembly

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, each pipe section 20, 22 and 24 isa conventional or known concrete pipe or tubing, such as a steel pipesection with a nominal inside diameter of approximately 5 inches, or anyother known piping or tubing section. The pipe sections are orientedgenerally horizontally and are pivotable relative to one another aboutgenerally vertical axes 17 and 19, such that placing apparatus 10 is alow profile unit and is operable in areas with generally low overheadclearance, such as in buildings and/or the like, as discussed below.

[0045] Supply pipe 24 is fixedly secured along a lower surface of lowerframe 38 of lower portion 16 of base unit 12. A supply connecting end 24a of supply pipe 24 is connectable to supply hoses or pipes 80 (FIGS. 18and 19) via a conventional quick connect coupling or any other couplingmeans. Although shown as extending from the center region of base unit12 toward the rear of the base unit, the supply pipe may otherwiseextend in other directions relative to the base unit, such as sidewardlyfor connection to a side feed system, or may be rotatable relative tothe base unit, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0046] An inner end 24 b of supply pipe 24 is connected to a lower 90degree elbow 70 (FIG. 13), which in turn is connected to a lower end 34a (FIG. 12) of connector section 34. An upper end 34 b of connectorsection 34 is also connected to an upper 90 degree elbow 68 (FIG. 12).Connector section 34 is rotatably connected to one or both of lowerelbow 70 and upper elbow 68, such that the elbow connectors arerotatable relative to one another about vertical axis 17, which passeslongitudinally through connector section 34. The elbow or elbows may berotatably connected to connector section 34 via any known connectingmeans, such as via a collar 35 (FIGS. 12 and 13) which engagescorresponding lips on the elbows 68 and/or 70 and connecting section 34to retain the pipe sections together, while allowing relative rotationtherebetween. Connector section 34 extends through passageway 72 inmulti-port hydraulic swivel 32, such that connector section 34 may berotated about axis 17 relative to an inner and/or outer portion ofmulti-port hydraulic swivel 32, as discussed below.

[0047] At the upper end of connector 34, an inner end 20 b of inner pipe20 is connected to upper elbow 68 to connect supply pipe 24 to innerpipe 20 via the pair of 90 degree elbows 68 and 70 and connector 34,whereby inner pipe 20 is rotatable 360 degrees relative to supply pipe24 about axis 17. Inner pipe 20 of pipe assembly 14 extends from baseunit 12 and is at least partially supported along pipe support beam 52of upper portion 18 of base unit 12 (FIGS. 1-5). Inner pipe 20 issecured to pipe support beam 52 and thus is generally fixed with respectto support beam 52 and upper portion 18 of base unit 12.

[0048] Outer end 20 a of inner pipe 20 is connected to a second upperelbow 21 a, which in turn is connected to a vertical connector section21 b, which is connected to a lower elbow 21 c at an inner end 22 a ofouter pipe 22, thereby providing a generally S shaped connection ofinner pipe 20 to outer pipe 22, as shown in FIG. 2. Similar to connector34, one or both ends of connector section 21 b is rotatably connected tothe respective elbow sections 21 a, 21 c, such that outer pipe 22 ispivotable relative to inner pipe 20 about a generally vertical axis 19extending longitudinally through connector section 21 b. Connectorsection 21 b may be fixedly or pivotally secured at outer end 52 a ofbeam 52 by a mounting bracket or collar 64 (FIGS. 9 and 10), whileelbows 21 a and/or 21 c allow pivotable or rotational movement of outerpipe 22 relative to inner pipe 20 and beam 52. For example, upper elbow21 a may be pivotally connected to connecting section 21 b, to allowrelative movement therebetween, while connecting section 21 b ispivotally mounted to bracket 64. Alternately, connecting section 21 bmay be fixedly secured to bracket 64, whereby lower elbow 21 c ispivotally mounted to the lower end of connecting section 21 b via acollar 21 d (FIGS. 9 and 10) to allow for the pivotal movement of outerpipe 22 relative to inner pipe 20.

[0049] Additionally, outer pipe 22 includes a discharge outlet 23 at anouter end 22 b where uncured concrete is discharged from pipe assembly14 in a generally downwardly direction. Discharge outlet 23 may comprisea 90 degree elbow section (as shown in FIGS. 1-5) and/or a generallyvertically oriented tube or hose for downward discharge of uncuredconcrete onto the targeted area or support surface. Optionally, otherdischarge hoses or nozzles may be implemented, and may be selected oradjusted to discharge the uncured concrete generally vertically or atany other angle, such as partially laterally, with respect to thesupport surface, without affecting the scope of the present invention.It is further envisioned that the angle or direction of the dischargenozzle may be adjusted while placing the uncured concrete to furtherenhance the placing capabilities of the placing apparatus of the presentinvention.

[0050] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 18, outer pipe 22 is pivotablerelative to inner pipe 20 about axis 19, such that the outer dischargeoutlet 23 of pipe 22 is arcuately movable with respect to inner pipe 20throughout an arcuate sweep of at least approximately 300 degrees. It isfurther envisioned that the placing apparatus of the present inventionmay otherwise include an outer pipe 22′ (as shown in phantom in FIG. 4),which has a selected length that is short enough to avoid interferencewith base unit 12 during pivotable movement or rotation of the outerpipe 22′ relative to the inner pipe 20. Outer pipe 22′ is thus pivotablerelative to inner pipe 20 to provide an arcuate or circular sweep of thedischarge end 23′ throughout 360 degrees of rotation.

[0051] Pipe assembly 14 further includes a boom rotation device 54(FIGS. 1-5 and 9-11), which is mounted at outer end 52 a of support beam52 and which is operable to pivot outer pipe 22 relative to inner pipe20. As best shown in FIG. 9, boom rotation device 54 includes a rotaryactuator 56, which is operable to rotate a sprocket wheel 58 in eitherdirection in response to hydraulic fluid from hydraulic pump 25. Asecond sprocket wheel 60 is fixedly secured to a collar member 21 d atconnecting section 21 b and elbow 21 c of pipe assembly 14, such thatrotation of the second sprocket wheel 60 causes corresponding pivotalmovement of lower elbow 21 c and outer pipe 22 about axis 19. Thesprocket wheels 58 and 60 are interconnected by a chain or belt 62, suchthat rotation of sprocket wheel 58 by rotary actuator 56 causes acorresponding rotation of sprocket wheel 60 via chain 62, therebypivoting outer pipe 22 relative to inner pipe 20 about axis 19.Preferably, a safety housing 65 is secured around sprocket wheels 58 and60 and chain 62, to protect the sprocket wheels and chains fromcontaminants and to prevent items from getting caught between the chainor belt 62 and wheels 58, 60, as outer pipe 22 is pivoted relative toinner pipe 20.

[0052] As best shown in FIG. 11, pipe assembly 14 further includes anelongated support member 66, such as a cable or the like, which isconnected between a bracket 66 a at outer end 52 a of beam 52 and abracket 66 b secured along outer pipe 22. Cable 66 provides support forouter pipe 22 as it extends from support beam 52 and connector pipes andelbows 21 a, 21 b, 21 c. Preferably, cable 66 includes a tensionadjustment device, such as turnbuckle 66 c, to facilitate adjustment ofthe tension in the cable 66 to provide an appropriate amount of supportof outer pipe 22.

[0053] Optionally, placing apparatus 10 may include a lift cylinder (notshown) at pipe assembly 14 which is operable to raise and lowerdischarge end 23 relative to base unit 12. Such a lift cylinder allowsincreased degrees of mechanical freedom and facilitates delivery ofuncured concrete over obstacles such as low walls and/or foundationscommonly found on construction worksites. Additionally, a second knuckleor joint, and additional pipe sections, may be added at the outer end ofouter pipe 22, to further enhance movement of the discharge end of thepipe assembly relative to the base unit. One or more of the pipesections of pipe assembly 14 may also include an axis of rotation abouta longitudinal axis along the length of the pipe sections, therebyfurther increasing the freedom of movement of the discharge end relativeto the base unit.

[0054] It is further envisioned that placing apparatus 10 may include ascreeding device (not shown) at an outer end of the pipe assembly 14,which is operable to grade and smooth the uncured concrete at thesupport surface following discharge from said discharge outlet. Thescreeding device may be a conventional screeding device, or may be alaser controlled screed similar to the types disclosed in commonlyassigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,633, issued to Somero et al., and/or U.S.Pat. No. 4,930,935, issued to Quenzi et al., the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, the placing apparatus10 may include a strike-off plow at the end of the pipe assembly toassist with leveling of the concrete. The plow could be laser controlledfor more accurate elevation results prior to screeding. Additionally, avibratory plow and auger, or a type of bell screed may be otherwise oralso included at the outer end of the pipe assembly, without affectingthe scope of the present invention.

[0055] In applications where a screeding device or other device, such asa discharge adjusting device or control or a pipe adjusting device, ishydraulically controlled and positioned along outer pipe 22′, which isrotatable 360 degrees relative to inner pipe 20, a second multi-porthydraulic and concrete swivel device (not shown) may be positioned atand around connector section 21 b at the outer end of the support beam52. The second multi-port swivel allows for passage of concrete andhydraulic fluid toward discharge end 23 of outer pipe 22′, whileallowing 360 degrees of rotation of outer pipe 22′ relative to innerpipe 20, in a similar manner as discussed below with respect tomulti-port hydraulic and concrete swivel device 32.

Hydraulic and Concrete Swivel Device

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, hydraulic and concrete swiveldevice 32 includes an outer cylindrical portion 74 and an innercylindrical portion 76, which is rotatably received within outercylindrical portion 74. Outer portion 74 includes a plurality ofopenings or ports 74 a through an outer wall 74 d of the outer portion74. The ports 74 a are vertically spaced from one another, such thateach of the ports 74 a is positioned at a different height or levelalong outer cylindrical portion 74. Each port 74 a is fitted with anappropriate fitting or connector 78 to connect the opening or port 74 ato an appropriate hydraulic fluid line (not shown).

[0057] Inner cylindrical portion 76 likewise includes a plurality ofports or openings 76 a positioned about an upper surface 76 b and aboutan upper, outer surface 76 f of a cylindrical body or wall 76 c of innercylindrical portion 76. As shown in FIG. 16, cylindrical body 76 c ofinner portion 76 includes a lower outer surface 76 g, which has anarrower diameter than upper outer surface 76 f, in order to provide astepped surface 76 h to engage an upper surface 74 f of outercylindrical portion 74 when inner portion 76 is rotatably receivedwithin outer portion 74. The ports 76 a of inner cylindrical portion 76are connected to a plurality of fittings or connectors 80 for connectingthe ports 76 a to the appropriate hydraulic lines (not shown). In theillustrated embodiment, the outer and inner cylindrical portions 74, 76include fourteen corresponding passageways and ports, although otherquantities of passageways and ports may be provided, without affectingthe scope of the present invention. It is envisioned that additionalpassageways and ports could be added to the swivel device if necessaryto control additional components or accessories on the lower portion 16of base unit 12 via hydraulic pump 25 or another pump at upper portion18.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 16, each port 74 a of outer cylindrical portion74 is connected to one of a plurality of vertically spaced annularchannels 74 b around an inner surface 74 c of outer cylindrical portion74. Each port 76 a of inner cylindrical portion 76 is connected to acorresponding one of a plurality of generally vertical and spaced orseparated passageways 76 d within and along the cylindrical wall 76 c ofinner portion 76. Each passageway 76 d in inner portion 76 terminates ata different level and is open at outer surface 76 g of inner cylindricalportion 76 via a passageway 76 e, such that each port 76 a and itsrespective passageway 76 d are connected to an appropriate orcorresponding one of the annular channels 74 b along the inner surface74 c of outer cylindrical portion 74. A plurality of O-rings or seals 74e are provided between the annular channels 74 b to prevent hydraulicfluid from leaking between the passageways and channels of the inner andouter portions of hydraulic swivel port 32. Accordingly, pressurizedfluid at one of the fittings 80 at ports 76 a may pressurize and/or flowalong a corresponding vertical passageway 76 d within cylindrical wall76 c and into a respective annular channel 74 b of outer portion 74, andfurther through the respective port 74 a and fitting 78 to providepressure and/or flow to the respective component or accessory of lowerportion 16 of base unit 12. Each port 76 a is thus interconnected with acorresponding port 74 a irrespective of any relative rotation betweeninner and outer cylindrical portions 76, 74 of multi-port hydraulic andconcrete swivel 32.

[0059] When installed on base unit 12 of placing apparatus 10, amounting plate 79 of outer cylindrical portion 74 is secured to lowerframe 38 of lower portion 16, while a mounting plate 77 of innercylindrical portion 76 is secured to upper frame 40 of upper portion 18.Connecting section 34 of pipe assembly 14 is then insertable throughpassageway 72 and connectable to the upper and lower elbows 68, 70,respectively, as discussed above. Because the upper hydraulic lines,which connect to fittings 80 at ports 76 a, and the upper elbow 68 andinner pipe 20 of pipe assembly 14 are all substantially fixed relativeto upper frame 40 and upper portion 18, and thus to upper or innercylindrical portion 76 of multi-port swivel device 32, the hydrauliclines and pipe sections will not become twisted or entangled as theupper portion 18 is rotated 360 degrees relative to the lower portion16. Likewise, the hydraulic lines and concrete pipes at lower portion 16of base unit 12 are generally fixed relative to lower portion 16 of baseunit 12 and thus to lower or outer cylindrical portion 74 of multi-portswivel device 32, to also avoid twisting or entanglement of thehydraulic lines and concrete pipes as the upper portion 18 is rotatedrelative to the lower portion 16 of the base unit 12.

Hydraulic Schematic

[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17D, an hydraulic schematic of theillustrated embodiment of the present invention is shown. Hydraulicfluid from hydraulic pump 25 (FIG. 17C) is pressurized and/or pumped tocontrol various valves and controls to actuate and/or deactuate thehydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors of placing apparatus 10. Moreparticularly, hydraulic pump 25 may control the stabilizer cylinders 44a (FIG. 17A), the rotational hydraulic motor 50 (FIG. 17B), the rotaryactuator 56 (FIG. 17B), the wheel steering cylinders 30 (FIG. 17D), thepropulsion motors 28 (FIG. 17D) and any other hydraulic control valves,hydraulic cylinder valves, pressure relief valves, and/or the like ofplacing apparatus 10. Each component or accessory positioned or mountedat lower portion 16 of base unit 12 is interconnected to the hydraulicpump 25 via hydraulic swivel 32. More particularly, each pair ofsteering cylinders 30, such as the front steering cylinders 30 a and therear steering cylinders 30 b, are interconnected to the hydraulic pumpvia the hydraulic swivel 32. Similarly, the front propulsion motors 28 awith brakes 28 c are connected to the hydraulic pump via the hydraulicswivel 32, while the rear propulsion motors 28 b are also connected tothe pump via the hydraulic swivel 32. Additionally, the rear stabilizercylinders 44 b are connected to corresponding ports on the hydraulicswivel 32, while each of the front stabilizer cylinders 44 a arepreferably connected to separate ports on the hydraulic swivel device32. Accordingly, the hydraulic system of the present invention isoperable to control the stabilizer cylinders, the drive motors and thesteering cylinders of the lower portion 16 of the base unit 12 byinterconnection of the hydraulic pump 25 to the respective componentsvia the hydraulic swivel device 32, such that the hydraulic pump 25 andupper portion 18 may be pivoted relative to the lower portion 16 of baseunit 12.

[0061] Optionally, placing apparatus 10 includes a diverter valve 82(FIG. 17B) which is operable to allow placing apparatus 10 to be shiftedfrom a drive mode to a boom mode or placing mode when the placingapparatus is parked at an appropriate position for placing concrete. Byshifting the placing apparatus to the boom mode, the pilot flow forpropulsion is shifted to the rotary actuator 56 and rotational motor 50via energizing a pair of solenoids 82 a in diverter valve 82. Propulsionpilot flow is blocked off at the same time by the shifting of the twosolenoid valves, such that the fluid cannot flow to or pressurize thewheel drive motors. De-energizing the solenoids blocks off the rotaryactuator pilot flow and diverts it once again to the propulsion sectionof the directional valve, whereby placing apparatus 10 is again operablein the drive mode, in order to move the placing apparatus to a newtargeted location.

Method of Operation

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, concrete placing apparatus 10is first driven to a starting point of the application (FIG. 18).Uncured concrete is delivered to placing apparatus 10 through a seriesof connected steel concrete delivery pipes and rubber hose sections 80that are laid along the ground at the job site. The pipe sectionsoriginate at a temporary concrete pumping station (not shown) set up forthe application. The advantages of the present invention are that theconcrete trucks and traffic remain outside, and only a small doorway oropening (not shown) is needed at the building to allow the passage ofthe concrete delivery pipes into the building and to placing apparatus10.

[0063] Once concrete placing apparatus 10 is at the appropriatelocation, placing apparatus 10 may be switched from the drive mode tothe boom mode, as discussed above. The concrete supply pipes 80 are laidout on the ground and connected to supply pipe 24 of lower portion 16using standard quick connect concrete piping hardware or the like.Although shown with the concrete delivery piping connecting to the rearof placing apparatus 10, the delivery piping may connect to supply pipe24 at either side or at the front of the concrete placing apparatus,preferably at or near ground level, without affecting the scope of thepresent invention. With concrete placing apparatus 10 in position andconnected to the supply piping 80, the operator extends the boom byswinging the outer pipe 22 until it is generally co-linear with innerpipe 20, such that the discharge end 23 is in the position furthest frombase unit 12 (as shown by pipe 20, 22 extending to the left in FIG. 18).Clearly, however, the pipes may be initially oriented in otherpositions, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0064] Once positioned in a selected initial position and orientation,uncured concrete is pumped through the supply lines 80 into concreteplacing apparatus 10 and upward through the center of the machine. Theconcrete continues through the inner and outer pipe sections and isdischarged from the discharge end 23 of pipe assembly 14. The upperportion 18 is rotated relative to lower portion 16 of base unit 12 toswing the discharge end arcuately relative to base unit 12.Additionally, outer pipe 22 may be pivoted relative to inner pipe 20, tofurther swing the discharge end 23 of outer pipe 22 relative to innerpipe 20 and base unit 12. The outer pipe 22 may be pivotedsimultaneously or separately as upper portion 18 is rotated relative tolower portion 16. The pipes and base unit may move or rotate in acoordinated manner to sweep the discharge end arcuately or to move thedischarge end in a generally linear manner for linear placement of theuncured concrete along a targeted area. Concrete is thus pumped throughthe pipe assembly from the external pumping station such that uncuredconcrete is distributed onto the work area surface with steady andcontrolled movements of the upper portion 18 and pipe section 22.

[0065] The movements of the upper portion and the pipe section may becontrolled manually by an operator sitting at the base unit 12, orautomatically, such as by a computerized microprocessor system. Themicroprocessor system may be programmable to automatically manage thehydraulic functions and the placement of the concrete in a predeterminedmanner or pattern. The automatic control system may further include aflow sensor 84 (FIGS. 18 and 19) in the pipe assembly 14 which isoperable to independently measure the volume and rate of the concretebeing delivered through pipe assembly 14. These measurements may be usedto automatically adjust the movements of the base unit and pipeassembly, through the use of the computerized microprocessor system andassociated software, thereby providing generally uniform distribution ofuncured concrete on the ground or support surface. The placing apparatusof the present invention may include a control system whereby anoperator located at the seating area 37 may be able to directly controlthe concrete flow at the separate concrete delivery pump. Control of theconcrete flow could also be performed automatically in response to thedetected flow rates by the flow sensor 84. Optionally, the machine maybe controllable by an operator located remotely from the placingapparatus via a remote control radio system.

[0066] Preferably, the sections of the supply piping 80 which connectnearest to base unit 12 are flexible rubber hose sections, in order toallow the placing apparatus to maneuver a short distance if needed whilecontinuously placing concrete with the pipe sections. Once the full areaof concrete delivery for the given pipe reach of the apparatus has beenachieved, as shown in FIG. 18, the pumping station temporarily stops thepumping of concrete to allow the concrete placing apparatus 10 to bedetached from the concrete supply tubes and to be driven to a newworking position by the operator. Once the concrete placing apparatus 10has been moved to its new location, as shown in FIG. 19, the concretedelivery system 80 may be reconnected to supply pipe 24 and pumping andplacement of the uncured concrete may resume. Concrete placement workcan then continue as described above to place concrete at the newtargeted area. This process is repeated until the entire placementapplication is completed.

[0067] Therefore, the present invention provides a concrete placingmachine which is movable and maneuverable in areas where there is lowoverhead clearance, such as within buildings and the like, since thepipes are pivotable horizontally about a generally vertical axis. Theconcrete placing apparatus includes a rotatable and movable base unit,which has a swivel portion rotatably supported by a wheeled portion ofthe unit to swing or pivot a pipe assembly 360 degrees about a generallyvertical axis at the base unit. Preferably, the pipe assembly includesan inner pipe attached to the base unit and an outer pipe pivotallyconnected at an outer end of the inner pipe, to further enhance theplacing capabilities of the present invention.

[0068] The upper swivel portion of the concrete placing machine includesan hydraulic pump, which is operable to provide pressurized fluid tovarious hydraulically controlled valves, controls and components of theplacing apparatus. The lower portion includes one or more hydraulicallyoperated drive systems, steering systems and/or stabilizer cylinders,and/or any other hydraulically powered and/or controlled devices, whichare powered and controlled by the hydraulic pump. A multi-port hydraulicswivel facilitates hydraulic fluid flow and/or fluid pressure betweenthe hydraulic pump and the hydraulically operated components oraccessories at the lower portion, while also allowing for 360 degrees ofrotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. Thehydraulic swivel device further provides a passageway for a concreteconnector pipe, such that the concrete pipe assembly is also rotatable360 degrees relative to a lower supply pipe attached at the lowerportion of the base unit. Rotation of the upper portion relative to thelower portion and/or pivotable movement of the outer pipe relative tothe inner pipe may be manually controlled by an operator or may beautomatically controlled by a programmable computer. The presentinvention thus provides improved placing capabilities in areas where itis not practical to implement concrete placing trucks and boom trucks.

[0069] Changes and modifications in the specifically describedembodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles ofthe invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patentlaw.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property right orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A concrete placingapparatus for placing uncured concrete at a support surface, saidconcrete placing apparatus comprising: a swivel base unit comprising awheeled lower portion having a plurality of wheels and an upper portion,said upper portion being rotatable about a generally vertical axis withrespect to said lower portion, one of said upper and lower portionsincluding an hydraulic pump, at least the other one of said upper andlower portions including at least one hydraulically operated device; apipe assembly having a supply pipe and a discharge pipe, said supplypipe being attached to said lower portion of said base unit andconnectable to a supply of uncured concrete to be placed by saidconcrete placing apparatus, said discharge pipe extending from saidupper portion of said base unit and being rotatable with said upperportion relative to said lower portion and said supply pipe; and aconcrete and hydraulic connector device, said discharge pipe beingconnected to said supply pipe via said concrete and hydraulic connectordevice, said hydraulic pump and said at least one hydraulically operateddevice being connected via said concrete and hydraulic connector device,said concrete and hydraulic connector device being operable to allowuncured concrete to pass from said supply pipe to said discharge pipe,while also allowing hydraulic fluid to pass between said hydraulic pumpand said at least one hydraulically operated device throughout 360degrees of rotation of said upper portion relative to said lower portionabout said generally vertical axis.
 2. The concrete placing apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said upper portion includes said hydraulic pump andsaid lower portion includes said at least one hydraulically operateddevice.
 3. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 2, wherein said atleast one hydraulically operated device includes at least one wheeldrive motor which is operable to drive at least one of said wheels andat least one steering device which is operable to steer at least one ofsaid wheels.
 4. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 1, wherein saiddischarge pipe includes an inner pipe fixedly mounted to said upperportion and an outer pipe pivotably mounted to an outer end of saidinner pipe.
 5. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 4, wherein saidouter pipe is pivotable relative to said inner pipe via a rotationalmotor at said outer end of said inner pipe.
 6. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 5, wherein said rotational motor is powered by saidhydraulic pump at said base unit.
 7. The concrete placing apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein said rotational motor is operable to rotate a first cogwheel at said outer end of said inner pipe, which in turn drives asecond cog wheel fixedly secured to an inner end of said outer pipe topivot said outer pipe relative to said inner pipe.
 8. The concreteplacing apparatus of claim 4, wherein said outer pipe is at leastpartially supported by an elongated support member extending from saidouter end of said inner pipe to an attachment point along said outerpipe.
 9. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 4, wherein said outerpipe is pivotable relative to said outer end of said inner pipethroughout a range of at least approximately 300 degrees of rotation.10. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 9, wherein said outer pipeis pivotable 360 degrees relative to said outer end of said inner pipe.11. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lowerportion comprises four wheels, a first pair of wheels being at a firstaxle and a second pair of wheels being at a second axle.
 12. Theconcrete placing apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of said wheels isindependently driven by an hydraulically operated wheel drive motor. 13.The concrete placing apparatus of claim 11, wherein said lower portionincludes a steering device which is operable to steer the wheels at eachof said axles.
 14. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 13, whereinsaid steering device is operable to steer said first and second pairs ofwheels together.
 15. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 11, whereinsaid concrete placing apparatus is selectably operable to at least oneof independently steer each of said first and second pairs of wheels ateach of said first and second axles, and steer said first and secondpairs of wheels together.
 16. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 1,wherein said upper portion of said base unit includes a rotary motorwhich is operable to rotate said upper portion relative to said lowerportion.
 17. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidconcrete and hydraulic connector device is operable to allow hydraulicfluid to pass through a plurality of fluid passageways, while allowingconcrete to pass through an inner passageway of said concrete andhydraulic connector device.
 18. The concrete placing apparatus of claim17, wherein said concrete and hydraulic connector device comprises anouter cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member which isrotatable within said outer cylindrical member.
 19. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one of said inner and outercylindrical members include a plurality of passageways which providepassageway of the hydraulic fluid between said inner cylindrical memberand said outer cylindrical member.
 20. The concrete placing apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein each of said plurality of channels comprises one of aplurality of generally vertical passageways through said innercylindrical member and one of a plurality of annular channels in saidouter cylindrical member.
 21. The concrete placing apparatus of claim20, wherein said plurality of generally vertical passageways open towardsaid outer cylindrical member at a different height from one another,said plurality of annular channels being vertically spaced along thelength of said outer cylindrical member.
 22. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 21, wherein said outer cylindrical member is mountedto said lower portion of said base unit and said inner cylindricalmember is mounted to said upper portion of said base unit.
 23. Theconcrete placing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pipe assemblyincludes a flow sensor which is operable to measure a flow of uncuredconcrete through said discharge pipe.
 24. The concrete placing apparatusof claim 1 further including a programmable control, said control beingoperable to move rotate said upper portion in a programmed pattern toplace concrete at the support surface.
 25. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 24, wherein said pipe assembly includes a flow sensorwhich is operable to measure a flow of uncured concrete through saiddischarge pipe, said control being further operable to adjust the supplyof uncured concrete in response to said flow sensor.
 26. The concreteplacing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said placing apparatus comprises alow profile placing apparatus which is suitable to place the uncuredconcrete at areas under overhead structures.
 27. A concrete placingapparatus for placing uncured concrete at a support surface, saidconcrete placing apparatus comprising: a swivel base unit comprising awheeled lower portion and an upper portion, said upper portion beingrotatable about a vertical axis throughout 360 degrees of rotation withrespect to said lower portion, said lower portion comprising a pluralityof wheels which are drivable and steerable to move said base unit at thesupport surface; and a pipe assembly having an inner pipe and an outerpipe, said pipe assembly being connectable to a supply of uncuredconcrete to be placed by said concrete placing apparatus, said innerpipe being mounted to and extending from said upper portion, said outerpipe being pivotably mounted to an outer end of said inner pipe, wherebysaid outer pipe is pivotable throughout a range of at leastapproximately 300 degrees relative to said inner pipe.
 28. The concreteplacing apparatus of claim 27 further including an hydraulic pump whichis operable to provide at least one of pressure and flow to at least onehydraulically operable device, said hydraulic pump being positioned atone of said upper and lower portions and at least one of said at leastone hydraulically operable device being positioned at the other of saidupper and lower portions of said base unit.
 29. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 28, wherein said hydraulic pump is positioned at saidupper portion of said base unit and is operable to provide pressure andflow of hydraulic fluid to said hydraulically operable device positionedat said lower portion of said base unit.
 30. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 29, wherein said wheels of said lower portion areoperable via said at least one hydraulically operable device powered bysaid hydraulic pump.
 31. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 29,wherein said pipe assembly includes a supply pipe attached to said lowerportion of said base unit and connectable to said inner pipe, said innerpipe being connected to said supply pipe via a concrete and hydraulicconnector device which allows uncured concrete to pass from said supplypipe to said inner pipe, while also allowing hydraulic fluid to passbetween said hydraulic pump and said at least one hydraulically operabledevice throughout the full 360 degrees of rotation of said upper portionrelative to said lower portion.
 32. The concrete placing apparatus ofclaim 31, wherein said concrete and hydraulic connector device comprisesan outer cylindrical member and an inner cylindrical member which isrotatable within said outer cylindrical member.
 33. The concrete placingapparatus of claim 32, wherein said inner cylindrical member includes apassageway longitudinally through said inner cylindrical member, saidpassageway being adapted to allow the uncured concrete to passtherethrough.
 34. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 31, whereinsaid outer pipe is pivotable relative to said inner pipe via anhydraulic rotating motor which is powered by said hydraulic pump of saidupper portion.
 35. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 31, whereinsaid outer pipe is pivotable relative to said inner pipe via arotational motor at said outer end of said inner pipe.
 36. The concreteplacing apparatus of claim 35, wherein said rotational motor is poweredby said hydraulic pump at said upper portion of said base unit.
 37. Theconcrete placing apparatus of claim 35, wherein said rotational motor isoperable to rotate a first cog wheel at said outer end of said innerpipe, which in turn drives a second cog wheel fixedly secured to aninner end of said outer pipe to pivot said outer pipe relative to saidinner pipe.
 38. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 27, wherein saidupper portion of said swivel base unit includes an elongated beamextending therefrom and supporting said inner pipe.
 39. The concreteplacing apparatus of claim 38, wherein said outer pipe is at leastpartially supported by an elongated support extending from said outerend of said elongated beam to an attachment point along said outer pipe.40. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 27, wherein said upperportion of said base unit includes a rotary motor which is operable torotate said upper portion relative to said lower portion.
 41. Theconcrete placing apparatus of claim 27 further including a programmablecontrol, said control being operable to move and/or rotate said upperportion in a programmed pattern to place concrete at the supportsurface.
 42. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 41, wherein saidpipe assembly includes a flow sensor which is operable to measure a flowof uncured concrete through said discharge pipe, said control beingfarther operable to adjust the supply of uncured concrete in response tosaid flow sensor.
 43. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 27,wherein said placing apparatus comprises a low profile placing apparatuswhich is suitable to place the uncured concrete at areas under overheadstructures.
 44. The concrete placing apparatus of claim 27, wherein saidouter pipe is pivotable throughout a range of 360 degrees relative tosaid inner pipe.
 45. A method of placing uncured concrete at a supportsurface comprising: providing a placing apparatus comprising a swivelbase unit having a lower wheeled portion and an upper portion, one ofsaid upper and lower portions including an hydraulic pump, at least theother one of said upper and lower portions including at least onehydraulically operated device, said placing apparatus further includinga supply pipe at said lower portion and a discharge pipe at said upperportion, said placing apparatus further including a concrete andhydraulic connector device, said discharge pipe being connected to saidsupply pipe via said concrete and hydraulic connector device, saidhydraulic pump and said at least one hydraulically operated device beingconnected via said concrete and hydraulic connector device; supplyinguncured concrete at said supply pipe; discharging the supplied uncuredconcrete via said discharge pipe; rotating said upper portion relativeto said lower portion while the uncured concrete is supplied at saidsupply pipe; and controlling said at least one hydraulically operateddevice via said hydraulic pump while supplying uncured concrete at saidsupply pipe and while rotating said upper portion throughout 360 degreesof rotation relative to said lower portion.
 46. The method of claim 45including rotating an outer portion of said discharge pipe about agenerally vertical axis with respect to an inner portion of saiddischarge pipe throughout a range of approximately 300 degrees.
 47. Themethod of claim 46 including rotating said outer portion with respect tosaid inner portion throughout a range of 360 degrees.
 48. The method ofclaim 45 including rotating an outer cylindrical portion of saidconcrete and hydraulic connector device relative to an inner cylindricalportion of said concrete and hydraulic connector device to maintaininterconnection of a plurality of hydraulic fluid passageways withinsaid outer and inner cylindrical portions throughout 360 degrees ofrotation.
 49. The method of claim 48 including supplying the uncuredconcrete from said supply pipe to said discharge pipe via a longitudinalpassageway through said inner cylindrical portion of said concrete andhydraulic connector device.
 50. The method of claim 45 includingdetecting a flow of uncured concrete through one of said supply anddischarge pipes and controlling the supply of the uncured concrete inresponse to the flow detection.